Brewers' payroll coming down in '13

By Mike Axisa 2 | Blogger

January 21, 2013 11:38 PM ET

That mustache is on Fiers. (US Presswire)

The Brewers are generally considered a small market team despite perennially strong attendance and Opening Day payrolls that flirted with nine figures in recent years. Maybe they aren't considered a true "small market team," but you certainly won't see them being confused for a large market club anytime soon.

After Mark Attanasio took over as principal owner of the Brewers in January 2005, the team's player payroll steadily increased by leaps and bounds, reaching a franchise record of $101 million at the start of last season.

With that backdrop, it is noteworthy that the payroll is coming down for the first time under Attanasio in 2013, and by a significant amount. As it stands now, the Brewers are projected to open the season with a payroll of less than $80 million, a decrease of more than 20% from a year ago.

Multiple factors came into play in reaching that reduced payroll level, including the desire of Attanasio and general manager Doug Melvin to maintain financial flexibility for future personnel moves. Another important component is their belief that it's time to give homegrown starting pitchers – who won't have big salaries – the chance to prove they belong in the major leagues.

The NL Central isn't wide open but it is winnable. The Brewers have overhauled baseball's worst bullpen this winter and they did lead the league in runs scored last season, when they finished just five games out of a playoff spot. Maintaining financial flexibility and giving the young kids a shot is a perfectly fine strategy, but there's something to be said for going for it as well. Adding a veteran starter or two could have improved their playoff odds and led to millions in playoff revenue, if not more.